The Lord of the Rings (4-volume boxed set) by Tolkien, J. R. R - 1977

New York, New York, U.S.A.: Ballantine, 1977. First Thus . Boxed Set. Fine. The beloved trilogy + "The Hobbit" in a handsome gold-colored paper-covered boxed set of 4 mass market-paperback books, orig. issued in this format by Ballantine in 1965, with a new Introduction by fantasy writer Peter S. Beagle from 1973 & a new Introduction by Tolkien himself for this 1977 release (First, thus). Box is decorated with heraldic symbols from George Allen & Unwin, 1973, & is completely bright & clean, but downgraded to Near Fine due to very slight rubbing to extremities. One corner only (top, on open side of box) is more heavily rubbed. The books themselves are all AS NEW except for "Return of the King,'' which is Near Fine, with some shallow creases to front cover parallel to spine & a wrinkle in the spine. They are all obviously never opened, as clean & bright as when first printed! Our 5 photos depict the exact set you will receive, never "stock" images of books we don't actually have! All orders processed before 2 pm weekdays (Pacific) ship that same day; weekends & holidays ship very next business day. SORRY: NO international or expedited domestic shipping on this set without substantial (at least double) postage increase per USPS rates!